Last Updated on Friday, January 21, 2022.
Like many of you, DCTA is closely monitoring what is happening with COVID-19. At DCTA, our top priorities are keeping our passengers and employees healthy and ensure a safe commute for our riders. Due to the current COVID-19 risks, we are increasing precautions to protect our passengers and staff and will provide updates of any new information that could impact riders’ commutes.
You can learn more about how GoZone is keeping you safe by visiting GoZone FAQ's.
DCTA will continue to operate as an essential business. We appreciate everyone’s support and partnership with us to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 illness.
- Latest DCTA Updates
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Recent Updates:
- Downtown Denton Transit Center (DDTC) Partially Reopens (Effective Monday, January 31, 2022)
- Denton County Transportation Authority Continues Face Mask Mandate (Effective August 20, 2021)
- Downtown Denton Transit Center (DDTC) Reopens to the Public (Effective June 7, 2021)
- Federal Mask Mandate Continues to Require Face Coverings on Transit (Effective May 21, 2021)
- Federal Mask Mandate Remains in Place for DCTA (Effective March 10, 2021)
- DCTA Partners with Denton County and SPAN to Offer Free Rides to Vaccination Clinics (Effective February 26, 2021)
- New Federal Mask Mandate Requires Face Coverings on Public Transit (Effective February 2, 2021)
- DCTA Presents COVID-19 Survey Results
- DCTA Partners with APTA on their Health and Safety Commitments Program
- DCTA Invites you to take COVID-19 Feedback Survey (Effective October 5, 2020)
- Touchless Hand Sanitizer Dispensers Installed on Buses (Effective September 24, 2020)
- DCTA A-train September Service Changes (Effective September 21, 2020)
- DCTA August Service Changes (Effective August 24, 2020)
- Face Coverings Now Required on DCTA Vehicles (Effective July 1, 2020)
- Show Your Appreciation for DCTA Frontline Workers (Effective June 22, 2020)
- DDTC Full Closure (Effective June 22, 2020)
- DCTA Joins Forces with Denton County and United Way to Provide Nonprofits with PPE (Effective June 17, 2020)
- Get Back to Your Routine Safely with DCTA (Effective June 9, 2020)
- DCTA Tips for Vanpool/Rideshare (Effective June 8, 2020)
- Updated DDTC Hours (Effective June 1, 2020)
- DCTA Service Changes due to COVID-19 (Effective May 11, 2020)
- DCTA Receives $23.4 Million through CARES Act (Effective May 4, 2020)
- DCTA and the CDC recommend wearing masks onboard vehicles (Effective April 7, 2020)
- Monsignor King (MK101) Shuttle Service Suspension (Effective March 26, 2020)
- DCTA service reductions due to COVID-19 health emergency (Effective March 23, 2020)
- DDTC Lobby & Restrooms Closure (Effective March 18, 2020)
Due to the increase in positive COVID-19 cases, DCTA will host its board meetings virtually.
- DCTA Schedules at a Glance
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We understand our recent service changes may not be to the service level that fits every rider’s need, but we are working diligently to make sure service is as safe as possible for the communities we serve. To view all updated maps and schedules, visit DCTA.net/schedulechanges. Below is an overview of the January 18, 2022 service changes.
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Minor Time Changes to Denton Connect Bus Routes.
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UNT Campus Shuttle schedules will be updated to optimize run times and on-time performance.
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- What DCTA is Doing to Keep Passengers and Employees Safe
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DCTA has worked diligently during COVID-19 to keep its passengers and employees healthy and ensure a safe commute for our riders. Similar to many public transit agencies across the U.S., DCTA is considered an essential critical infrastructure and continues to operate service.
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
Passengers
- DCTA encourages passengers to follow CDC protocol, including:
- Wearing a face-covering (covering your nose and mouth)
- Practicing social distancing (maintaining a 6-foot separation between yourself and others)
- Regular washing of hands and use of hand sanitizer
Cleaning
- All buses and trains are receiving additional cleanings using a medical-grade disinfecting cleaner as well as a daily spray down using a broad-spectrum disinfectant that is effective against a range of microorganisms for an extended period of time.
- Additional cleaning (using medical-grade disinfectant) is being placed on high-touch areas such as door handles, crew rooms, countertops, driver consoles, and steering wheels.
- DCTA continues to evaluate our cleaning processes and add additional measures as needed.
Staff
- All non-essential personnel are operating under a hybrid work-from-home policy.
- Operators are provided personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies with each shift including gloves, disinfectant wipes, masks, and facial tissues.
- Operators are also welcomed to bring their own facial cloth covering for additional protection.
- Management is enforcing social distancing in operator crew rooms and administrative facilities.
- Internal processes that require close-proximity and engagement have been adjusted to limit prolonged personal interaction and the spread of germs.
- Installation of clear vinyl protection barriers in each bus to provide separation between the operator and boarding passengers/fare box.
- Use of Far UV-Sterilray technology to sanitize all driver consoles inside buses.
- No-touch thermometers are also being used to monitor temperatures of essential staff upon reporting for duty to further protect our passengers.
Internal Efforts
- DCTA is staying on top of alerts from local, state and national health organizations to closely monitor the situation and are following their recommendations on prevention measures.
- Pertinent employee information is passed down through the proper channels to ensure employees are notified accordingly on all matters related to COVID-19.
- DCTA has implemented a dedicated reporting process should employees experience symptoms, be diagnosed as COVID-19 positive or be exposed to someone with a confirmed case.
- DCTA is offering the Family First Care Act benefits to DCTA employees.
DCTA riders and employees can also find information updates on our social media sites, Rider Alerts (sign up here to receive them) and throughout our system and facilities.
- Coronavirus Facts and Resources
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How the illness spreads
When an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes respiratory droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or can possibly be inhaled into the lungs. People who are in close contact with an infected person (within about six feet) can become affected.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Reported cases range from mild illness (like a common cold) to severe pneumonia that requires medical care or hospitalization.
Stay “in the know” on the latest coronavirus information by visiting the following local, national and international public health agencies:
- How to Protect Yourself and Prevent Spread of Illness
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Though we are taking extra cleaning precautions, we recommend our passengers stay vigilant when protecting themselves from germs. Help us prevent the spread of coronavirus and other flu-like illnesses on our buses and trains by following the recommended tips from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (if soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol) especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash.
- If you are feeling ill, stay home and avoid close contact with others.
- Wear a cloth face mask when in close contact with others.
We encourage passengers who feel sick or are experiencing symptoms to stay home and avoid public places. If you have questions or concerns you can send feedback via our GORequest platform which is available on our website or you can download the free mobile app on the Apple and Google Play store.
- Resources for Download
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Resources for Download
DCTA Resources
On-Demand Service Instructions
Welcome Back Riders Safety Plan
National Resources
CDC What to do if You Are Sick
CDC COVID-19 and Public Transit
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: Are DCTA services still operating on a normal schedule?
A: DCTA service changes went into effect on January 18, 2022. To view all updated maps and schedules, visit DCTA.net/schedulechanges.
Q: Why is DCTA still operating during COVID-19?
A: Public transit is deemed an essential critical infrastructure during the COVID-19 health emergency. We continue to operate to serve those in the community who are essential workers such as health care workers, first responders and other essential employees.
Q: What is DCTA doing to keep riders and its operators safe?
A: Our top priorities are keeping our passengers and employees healthy and ensure a safe commute for our riders. We are staying on top of alerts from local, state and national health organizations to closely monitor the situation and are following their recommendations on prevention measures. See below for more information:
Staff
- All non-essential personnel are operating under a hybrid work-from-home policy.
- Operators are provided personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies with each shift including gloves, disinfectant wipes, masks and facial tissues.
- Operators are also welcomed to bring their own facial cloth for additional protection.
- Management is enforcing social distancing in operator crew rooms and administrative facilities.
- Internal processes that require close-proximity and engagement have been adjusted to limit prolonged personal interaction and the spread of germs.
- Installation of clear vinyl protection barriers in each bus to provide separation between the operator and boarding passengers/fare box.
- Use of Far UV-Sterilray technology to sanitize all driver consoles inside buses.
- No-tough thermometers are also being used to monitor temperatures of essential staff upon reporting for duty to further protect our passengers.
Passengers
- DCTA encourages passengers to follow CDC protocol, including:
- Wearing a face-covering (covering your nose and mouth).
- Practicing social distancing (maintaining a 6-foot separation between yourself and others).
- Regular washing of hands and use of hand sanitizer.
Q: Does DCTA have any signage on vehicles and in facilities about COVID-19?
A: DCTA installed signage on its A-train, buses and facilities related to social distancing, tips on how to stay safe and prevent the spread of illness and more. The agency will continue to keep passengers informed with helpful and important signage during COVID-19.
Q: Has DCTA ridership been affected during COVID-19?
A: Like many transportation agencies across the county, there has been a decline in DCTA ridership as a result of COVID-19 and the stay-at-home order.
Q: How can I report safety concerns to DCTA?
A: Passengers can send feedback via DCTA’s GORequest platform which is available at RideDCTA.net or download the free mobile app on the Apple and Google Play store.
Q: Is DCTA taking extra steps to clean vehicles and facilities?
A: Yes, DCTA’s efforts include:
- All buses and trains are receiving additional cleanings using a medical-grade disinfecting cleaner as well as a daily spray down using a broad-spectrum disinfectant that is effective against a range of microorganisms for an extended period of time.
- Additional cleaning (using medical-grade disinfectant is being placed on high-touch areas such as door handles, crew rooms, countertops, driver consoles and steering wheels.
- DCTA continues to evaluate our cleaning processes and add additional measures as needed.
Q: Has DCTA's Lost and Found policy been updated during COVID-19?
A: We updated our Lost and Found policy to protect riders and employees during COVID-19. Because the DDTC lobby is open for ticket purchases only, if you have lost a high-priority item on DCTA property, you must first call the agency's customer service team at 940.243.0077. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/34yB1ux.